Education

Modern Drummer is the world’s most widely read drum magazine, is dedicated entirely to the art of drumming and caters to the needs of amateur, semi-pro, and professional drummers.

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The Paradiddle Challenge - Unlocking Keith Carlock–Type Hand/Foot Interplay

Rock ‘N’ Jazz Clinic The Paradiddle Challenge Unlocking Keith Carlock–Type Hand/Foot Interplay by Daniel Bédard I came up with the idea for this article after hearing Keith Carlock’s playing on guitarist Oz Noy’s track “Chillin’,” from the album Ha! I…

Modern Drummer
Feb 23, 2017

BASICS - The Tap Nine

The traditional nine-stroke roll consists of four alternating double strokes followed by a single stroke. It can be played open (clearly articulated) or closed (buzzed). This is a popular rudiment in marching and concert percussion idioms, and I’ve found a…

Modern Drummer
Feb 23, 2017

STRICTLY TECHNIQUE - One-Sided Hairtas, Grandmas, and Grandpas

This month we’re going to look at three unusual rudiments: one-sided hairtas, grandmas, and grandpas. These three closely related rudiments are especially useful for drumset fills when playing the accents on toms or cymbals and the unaccented notes on the…

Modern Drummer
Feb 23, 2017

CONCEPTS - The Business of Gigging

This month’s topic, so eloquently summarized by Henry Ford, has been on my mind for a few months. I went to see the Rush R40 tour this past July. I’ve seen Rush many times over the years, but I knew…

Modern Drummer
Feb 23, 2017

ROCK ’N’ JAZZ CLINIC - Hidden Rhythms Part 2 Odd Groupings

Last month we explored the endless rhythmic and textural ideas hiding inside a measure of 16th notes, including clave and cascara patterns, partido alto phrases, and more. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN

Modern Drummer
Feb 23, 2017
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JAZZ DRUMMER'S WORKSHOP - Timetable Warm-Up

As drummers, we’re often taught the importance of warm-up exercises. These drills are typically designed to help loosen the muscle groups of your wrists, forearms, and fingers. A good warm-up routine develops your reflexes and helps you produce an articulate…

Modern Drummer
Feb 23, 2017

Build a Beat! A Step-by-Step Approach to Creating Interesting Grooves

Basics Build a Beat! A Step-by-Step Approach to Creating Interesting Grooves by Rich Redmond Over the years, my experiences as a teacher have taught me to always start simply. I like to build a strong foundation with a student before…

Modern Drummer
Feb 23, 2017

Grooving in Form: AABC with Mike Johnston

Rock ‘N’ Jazz Clinic Grooving in Form AABC by Mike Johnston In our previous lesson (July 2015), we learned how to use the simple song form AABA to create some hip triplet-based grooves. This month we’re going to push the…

Modern Drummer
Feb 23, 2017

Swing Style 101, Part 1: Avoiding the 1

Jazz Drummer’s Workshop Swing Style 101 Part 1: Avoiding the 1 by Justin Varnes Chances are, not many of us launched into a career in drumming after hearing a Papa Jo Jones record and asking our parents for a set…

Modern Drummer
Feb 23, 2017

The Cumbia - Drumset Adaptations of a Traditional Colombian/Panamanian Rhythm

Around the World The Cumbia Drumset Adaptations of a Traditional Colombian/Panamanian Rhythm by Steve Rucker and Carlomagno Araya Cumbia is a musical style that comes from Colombia and Panama and has a rich and diverse history. It’s closely connected to…

Modern Drummer
Feb 23, 2017

Progressive Drumming Essentials, Part 3: Polyrhythmic Patterns

Rock Perspectives Progressive Drumming Essentials Part 3: Polyrhythmic Patterns by Aaron Edgar Last month we learned some of the theory behind polyrhythms, along with how to play these patterns in their most basic form. The next step is to learn…

Modern Drummer
Feb 23, 2017

TEACHER'S FORUM - Building a Teaching Business

I’ve owned and operated my own teaching school, Jeff Salem’s Music Studio, for eleven years. Prior to that I taught percussion lessons at a local music store for twelve years. When I decided to branch out on my own, the…

Modern Drummer
Feb 23, 2017
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BASICS - Backstage Warm-Ups

In this lesson, I’m sharing some of the warm-ups I use before hitting the stage with Jason Aldean each night. I improvise with rudimental figures that isolate both sides of my body, which helps me focus on my weaker hand.…

Modern Drummer
Feb 23, 2017

STRICTLY TECHNIQUE - A Twist on the Buzz

A drummer once approached me after a show and said, “Your rolls sound as smooth as running water.” This statement gave me a new sonic goal, and that’s now what I think about when playing a closed roll. This lesson…

Modern Drummer
Feb 23, 2017
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